Issuu

HowardLawMagazine

Summer2025Edition

Publisher

Howard University School of Law

2900 Van Ness Street NW Washington, DC 20008

wwwlawhoward edu

Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr

Associate DeanofStrategic InitiativesandInnovation

Adeshola Akintobi

Sr.DirectorofDevelopmentand AlumniRelations Valentino Bryant

Editor-in-Chief

Adaija Darby

Writer Jacklyn Monk

Design&Layout

Adaija Darby

Photography

Matatan Studios, Phocal Vision, Demiko Aiken, Ken Cedeno Photography

Last August, the Howard University School of Law held its annual Pinning Ceremony to formally welcome the Class of 2027 Alumni, faculty, staff, and current students

gathered in tradition to usher in the new class. Jamila Minnicks ’03, award winning author and attorney, delivered the keynote address, offering words of encouragement and inspiration as students embark on their legal education at HUSL

Last August, the Howard University Law its annual Pinning Ceremony to formally welcome the of 2027 Alumni, faculty, staff, and current students gathered tradition to usher the new class. award winning author attorney, delivered the keynote address, words encouragement and inspiration as students embark on their legal education at

RogerA.Fairfax,Jr.

DeanandProfessorofLaw

It is an honor to introduce Howard Law Magazine a publication born of legacy, sustained by community, and shaped by the enduring pursuit of justice

At Howard University School of Law, the path forward is never separate from the path that brought us here This magazine serves as a chronicle of that journey one forged in the brilliance, resilience, and dedication of our students, faculty, alumni, and friends.

In these pages, we reflect on a year filled with momentous milestones: the visit of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; the launch of the 14th Amendment Center with renowned civil rights lawyer and former NAACP LDF President and Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill; and the unveiling of the Alumni Judges Gallery during Homecoming, honoring the generations of Howard-trained jurists who have upheld the rule of law and expanded the reach of justice.

These stories and others featured in this issue are a testament to a living legacy They affirm that our mission continues not in the abstract, but in the everyday acts of scholarship, leadership, and advocacy carried out across our community

As legendary former dean of Howard University School of Law Charles Hamilton Houston once said, “A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” This magazine is a tribute to those who chose the former path and continue to do so every day

Thank you for taking this journey with us May these pages remind you not only of our storied past, but of our bright future

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Roger A Fairfax, Jr Dean and Professor of Law

Howard University School of Law

Classof2025 Hooding and Baccalaureate Ceremonies

Jaden Alexander Cody, an Atlanta native and Class of 2025 graduate of Howard University School of Law, served as the 70th Student Bar Association president Cody describes HUSL as a place that fundamentally shaped his worldview and commitment to service A 2022 graduate of Morehouse College, Cody also served as lead LexisNexis campus ambassador, a civil procedure teaching assistant, and an associate in the World Bank Group Externship Program. Following graduation, he will sit for the bar exam and launch his legal career at LVMH’s North American headquarters in New York

Tiffany Jackson was named a 2025 Skadden Fellow. She is one of 28 individuals who will begin their public interest careers by addressing a broad range of civil legal issues affecting people living in poverty throughout the United States.

Nastassia Janvier isn't waiting her turn, she's making her mark now. A Class of 2025 graduate and NAACP LDF Marshall-Motley Scholar, Janvier has led at every stage, including as national chair of the National Black Law Students Association. She has researched how artificial intelligence and misinformation threaten voting rights and is committed to protecting democracy through legal advocacy, earning recognition as one of Essence’s “15 Black Women Leading the Fight for Voting Rights Protection.” Now headed to the ACLU in Florida, she says, “I know clearly the torch I’m carrying and the obligation I owe to my people to continue the legacy and build on that foundation ”

e a n F a i r f a x D e a n F a i r f a x R R

From the streets of northeast DC to the Dean’s Office, this son of Howard brings bold leadership, legal excellence and a legacy-minded vision to HUSL

By Jacklyn Monk

D

HU! YouKnow!

Roger A Fairfax, Jr wasn’t born in the halls of Howard University, but you might be forgiven for thinking otherwise He grew up just a few blocks away from the school’s main campus in Washington, DC’s Stronghold neighborhood Some might say, his Howard roots run as deep as DC’s own In fact, his story which includes service, love, sacrifice, and education reads like a love letter to the institution that has shaped Black legal brilliance in America since 1869

As the newly appointed dean of Howard University School of Law, Fairfax sees this role as his highest calling to date “It feels almost like I’m fulfilling a family destiny,” he says, while walking the halls that shaped legal icons such as Charles Hamilton Houston, Pauli Murray, and Thurgood Marshall “I cannot put into words how meaningful it is to be sitting in this seat, as a servant-leader of what I believe is the most consequential school in American history.”

Fairfax’s first connection to Howard began over a century ago, with his great-grandfather Charles Augustus Butler, a 1915 graduate of Howard’s College of Pharmacy.

Discriminatory laws prevented him from ever practicing professionally, but he vowed that some day one of his children would attend Howard. His son Fairfax’s grandfather made good on that promise by joining the Class of 1942.

y g g y service In 2004, at 84, Charles Donald Butler, Sr donned a cap and gown and led the school’s Commencement Exercises “He had been a Howard graduate his whole life,” Fairfax says, his voice full of reverence, “and never knew it ”

Dean Fairfax’s path took him from Archbishop Carroll High School in northeast DC through the ivy-league gates of Harvard College, the University of London, and back to Harvard Law School, where he distinguished himself as an NAACP Legal Defense Fund Scholar and an editor of both the Harvard Law Review and the Harvard Civil Rights–Civil Liberties Law Review

“I was a teenager during the explosion of crack cocaine,” he says of his formative years in Washington “The war on drugs was my first exposure to the power of the law both its aspirations and its excesses ” That early reckoning made an impression that set him on the path to study law

“There is no law school in America with a greater claim to consequence than Howard...”

“There is no school in America with a greater claim to consequence than Howard...”

While at Harvard, he encountered the late great Professor Charles Ogletree who deepened his understanding of how the law could be used as a tool for justice “Ogletree introduced me to the legacy of Charles Hamilton Houston,” he recalls “That changed everything Houston is emblematic of the philosophy we seek to instill in our students ”

After federal clerkships and service in the US Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, Fairfax made his mark in private practice and academia. At George Washington University Law School, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Associate Dean and founded the Criminal Law and Policy Initiative Then, as the 19th dean of American University’s Washington College of Law, he made history as the first Black man to lead the institution. His tenure there was transformative, marked by increased enrollment, unprecedented student academic credentials, new programs, and record-setting diversity and fundraising metrics

Now, at Howard Law, the stakes feel higher. “There is no law school in America with a greater claim to consequence than Howard,” he says, gesturing toward portraits that line the school’s corridors Thurgood Marshall, Oliver Hill, Dovey Johnson Roundtree, and man

introduced me to introduced me to

“Ogletree “Ogletree the legacy of the legacy of Charles Hamilton Charles Hamilton

changed changed Houston...that Houston...that everything.” everything.”

Fairfax’s vision for Howard Law is one of “uncompromising excellence,” he says, without hesitation His new era agenda rests on five pillars: scholarly excellence; pedagogical innovation; student and alumni experience; advocacy and thought leadership; and operational strength He is clear-eyed about the responsibilities to the mission Already, students, faculty, and alumni are impressed. Yes, his legal pedigree is undeniable, but his neighborhood roots in Stronghold and deep community ties make him accessible in a way that few deans can claim.

Uncompromising Excellence

“I recognize the amazing support system that I’ve had in getting me to this point I owe so much to so many, ” he says “To my wife, who’s also a law professor, my daughters, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, community, and mentors. I’m here because they poured into me And now, I get to pour into others ”

There’s a quiet resolve in Fairfax’s tone when he talks about the future “As rich as our history and legacy are, I believe our best days are ahead of us, ” he says. “Just like those students of generations past, our students today are extraordinary They have made a conscious choice to join a legacy and they know that legacy demands everything of them.”

Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. and students attend a Washington Nationals game.

In a ceremony filled with purpose and pride, Howard University School of Law formally installed Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. as its dean. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the power of legal education and public service, principles that have guided Dean Fairfax’s career The program featured musical selections by the Archbishop Carroll High School Choir and the Howard University School of Law Gospel Choir, along with heartfelt tributes from family, friends, students, and colleagues A special moment came when Charles Hamilton Houston III offered his support, honoring the school’s legacy while affirming its future. The celebration concluded with a reception serenaded by a local Go-Go band in the Vernon E Jordan Jr Law Library

Tracingthe Legacyof Brown v. Board Tracingthe Legacyof Brown v. Board

As part of Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr’s “Road to Brown” seminar, law students boarded a bus through DC to explore the people, places, and documents behind the case that reshaped American education and the legal minds still carrying its weight

By Adaija Darby

OOn a clear February morning in DC, a group of secondand third-year law students boarded a bus to trace the legal and historical arc of Brown v Board of Education

More than a chapter in a textbook, Brown v Board marked a turning point in American history, declaring that segregation in public schools violated the Constitution. Led by Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. the trip, part of the “Road to Brown” seminar, brought students face to face with the spaces and stories behind the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision

The day began at the former home of Charles Hamilton Houston, the Howard Law dean whose strategy helped dismantle segregation The modest row house, just minutes from campus, offered a moment of reflection

“Visiting Charles Hamilton Houston’s home fostered a real sense of admiration for his profound national influence and local dedication,” said third-year student Nastassia Janvier “Reflecting on figures like Constance Baker Motley, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Pauli Murray, who were instrumental in shaping Brown, felt particularly meaningful.”

At the US Supreme Court, students observed live oral arguments and later met with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, offering a rare glimpse into the Court’s operations

They then studied the original Brown v Board case briefs in the Court’s archives, making the history feel less distant

The final stop was the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where students explored exhibits connecting Brown to broader civil rights struggles “Visiting the museum brought the course ’ s themes together,” Janvier said “It wove the historical context, the struggles faced, and the ongoing pursuit of justice into a cohesive understanding ”

For Dean Fairfax, the goal was to connect students not just to legal doctrine, but to legacy, to show that the cases they study were built on strategy, sacrifice, and people The trip moved students in unexpected ways, reminding them that the law is not just a subject to study, but a story of progress still unfolding.

Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr and students pictured with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

WileyA.BrantonSymposium

The Howard Law Journal’s 21st Annual Wiley A. Branton Symposium, “The 21st Century Social Engineer: Crafting the Future of the 14th Amendment,” brought together some of the nation’s most influential legal minds for a day of meaningful conversation and reflection.

A keynote fireside chat between Howard University School of Law Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. and Janai Nelson, director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, set the tone for the day blending legal insight with a forwardlooking vision for civil rights in America

Panelists included former Merck CEO Ken Frazier, David Wilkins of Harvard Law School, Lisa Fairfax of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Michele Goodwin of Georgetown University Law Center, Robert Westley of Tulane University Law School, historian Marcia Chatelain, Sarah Lewis of Harvard University, and Howard University School of Law’s own Kenneth Nunn and Sherrilyn Ifill Each brought a unique lens to discussions about the 14th Amendment and the role of the law in shaping a more equitable future

With members of the Branton family and trailblazers like Elaine Jones in the audience, the symposium didn’t just honor history it reignited a vital conversation about the law’s role in building a more just and inclusive future

LAW & SYMPOSIA

Titled “The Unseen Hand: AI’s Quiet Control Over Bias, Ballots, the Blackboard, and Beyond,” the event explored the urgent need for ethical oversight as AI quietly shapes key aspects of daily life from algorithms and elections to classrooms and workplaces.

Professor Spencer Overton of George Washington University led a compelling conversation, followed by panel discussions that examined how AI technologies can deepen existing inequalities or disrupt efforts toward equity.

As questions around digital accountability grow more pressing, the symposium made clear: ensuring justice in the age of algorithms is one of the defining civil rights challenges of our time

Legal Powerhouse

SherrilynIfill

Ascends to Howard’s Historic

Civil Rights Chair Ascends to Howard’s Historic Civil Rights Chair

The trailblazing civil rights attorney and former NAACP LDF president is leading a groundbreaking initiative to reclaim the 14th Amendment’s promise of justice and equality

By: Jacklyn Monk, Adaija Darby

SSherrilyn Ifill has long been at the forefront of civil rights litigation, education, and advocacy From her work with the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund (LDF) to her recent appointment as Howard University’s inaugural Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Endowed Chair in Civil Rights, Ifill has spent decades shaping the legal landscape in profound ways Now, as a law professor at Howard, she’s continuing that work by advancing the principles of justice, equality, and citizenship, pillars that are deeply rooted in the 14th Amendment.

Before joining Howard Law, Ifill’s transformative leadership at the LDF from 2013 to 2022 solidified her reputation as one of the foremost civil rights lawyers of her generation. Under her stewardship, the organization grew exponentially, further cementing its role as a leader in racial justice litigation Ifill’s work builds on the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the LDF’s founder, and the towering figures of civil rights who paved the way for systemic change Her appointment to the Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Endowed Chair, named after the legendary Howard Law graduate and civil rights leader, further solidifies her as one of the leading

Ifill’s latest initiative, the 14th Amendment Center for Law & Democracy, launched in March 2025, marks the next chapter in her journey. This new center is dedicated to strengthening the core principles of the 14th Amendment, equality, justice, and citizenship, at a time when these ideals face increasing challenges The center, while housed at Howard Law, aims to extend its influence far beyond the campus, partnering with organizations like the Charles Hamilton Houston Center at Harvard Law and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute to make an interdisciplinary impact across law, policy, business, and the arts

In addition to the center’s launch, Ifill organized a dynamic event at Howard Law’s Honorable Damon J. Keith Moot Courtroom, where the significance of the 14th Amendment was discussed by leading voices from law, activism, academia, and the arts The event centered on the core themes of the center, which include Law and Policy, Education and Curriculum, Art, Narrative and Imagination, and Democratic Institutions. The event highlighted how these themes intersect and contribute to a broader understanding of the 14th Amendment’s role in shaping American society today

14thAmendment

Ifill emphasized the importance of returning to the values of the 14th Amendment in addressing today’s political crises As she noted, the 14th Amendment, which emerged from the post-Civil War era, is foundational to a reimagined vision of American citizenship, one grounded in equality and justice. She spoke passionately about confronting the persistent threats of white supremacy, highlighting the Amendment’s ongoing relevance in the fight for racial justice and the protection of democratic institutions. The event also featurred remarks from several prominent speakers, including

filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who shared her insights on how storytelling and art play instrumental roles in shaping the narrative of civil rights. DuVernay discussed the creative processes behind her acclaimed works Selma and When They See Us, drawing connections between entertainment, narrative, and the legal battles for justice

Ifill’s leadership is characterized by her ability to bring together diverse sectors to foster meaningful change At the LDF, her work focused on securing victories in education, housing, voting rights, and more Her legacy as a scholar and advocate is also evident in her pioneering work at the University of Maryland Scho Law, where she developed clinical programs cente on environmental justice, reentry, and reparati These innovative approaches have helped bridge gap between legal scholarship and real-world impa theme she continues to champion through her wor Howard Law.

In 2021, Time magazine named Ifill one of its 100 m influential people, and she has received numer awards and honorary doctorates, including the Har Radcliffe Medal and the Thurgood Marshall Award f the American Bar Association She has a appointed to President Biden’s Commissio Supreme Court, further cementing her inf shaping the judiciary and legal reform

Howard Law Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. pra passion and clarity of vision, noting that her l embodies the principles of Howard’s le producing racial justice lawyers “She is a change,” Fairfax says, “and we are incredibly have her at the helm of this impactful new Cen

“At this moment of democratic crisis in our country, we must return to the 14th amendment and its powerful and pragmatic conception of a post-Civil War America grounded in the values of equality, justice, and a reimagined vision of citizenship. That vision includes a clear-eyed confrontation with the stubborn persistence of white supremacy and its ongoing threat to the promise of our new country.”

“At this moment of democratic crisis in our country, we return to the 14th amendment its powerful and pragmatic conception of a post-Civil War America grounded in the values equality, justice, a reimagined vision of citizenship That vision includes a clear-eyed confrontation with the stubborn persistence white supremacy and threat the promise of our new country.”

Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University, echoes this sentiment, calling Ifill “ an exemplar of the vibrant legacy of figures like Justice Marshall and Vernon Jordan.” He adds, “She stands on their shoulders while paving her own path as a leader in the fight to protect civil rights in the 21st century”

As she launches the 14th Amendment Center, Ifill is carrying the torch of civil rights leaders like Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall, who developed the legal strategy that led to Brown v. Board of Education within Howard’s own halls With her blend of legal acumen, advocacy, and vision for a more just society, Ifill is well-equipped to continue shaping the future of civil rights law Through the work of the 14th Amendment Center, she is ensuring that the promise of the 14th Amendment remains a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Re-defining Democracy

SPOTTED AT HUSL CAMPUS VISITS

Howard Law continues to stand at the intersection of legal education and national dialogue, serving as a destination for some of the most powerful voices in law, policy, and social justice This year, our students engaged directly with leaders whose work is reshaping the legal and cultural landscape, including Damon Hewitt, Ava DuVernay, Nikole HannahJones, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and ACLU President Deborah Archer

Chief Judge Srinivasan, Judge Robert L. Wilkins, and Judge J. Michelle Childs

Whether in conversations with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, or in forums featuring former US Attorney General Eric Holder, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and former US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, students were offered a front-row seat to the stories, challenges, and strategies shaping justice in real time These moments did more than inspire, they affirmed our community’s role in the urgent work of building a more just and equitable future.

Damon T. Hewitt

Barbara Lee Nikole Hannah-Jones

Eric H.Holder

DeborahArcher

KetanjiBrownJackson The Honorable

The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, the US Supreme Court’s first Black woman justice shares personal reflections and offers career advice to HUSL students during her historic visit to Howard Law

HERE COMES HERE COMES The Judge The Judge

By Jacklyn Monk

It was a warm clear day in October and folks were excited because something historic was about to happen United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was coming to Howard University School of Law for a fireside chat with Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr Her visit was not your typical celebrity appearance. Jackson’s visit was an affirmation of legacy, resilience, and the limitless possibilities for Black legal scholars.

As Justice Jackson arrived at Howard’s West Campus, she was greeted with an outpouring of warmth Faculty and staff stood on the steps of Houston Hall, welcoming a woman whose very presence on the nation’s highest court reshapes history. She toured the campus, met with first-year law students, and offered a candid conversation about her life, career, and the journey that led her to the Supreme Court

Later that day, the curious crowd inside the packed auditorium fell silent as Justice Jackson read an excerpt from Lovely One, her New York Times bestselling memoir With poise and precision, she transported listeners through her childhood in Miami, her formative years at Harvard, and the pivotal moments that defined her path to the judiciary

“My family story has so much to do with who I am and how I was able to get to this point in my life,” Jackson shared “My parents were very intentional in raising their children to believe they could do anything.”

She recounted one of her earliest memories sitting at the kitchen table in their Miami apartment, her father engrossed in his law books, while she scribbled in her coloring books That quiet moment, she said, planted the seed of a dream “I honestly don’t remember ever thinking about wanting to do anything else.”

The road to the Supreme Court, for Justice Jackson, was no crystal stair She spoke about her time in competitive speech and debate, a passion that took her across the country and helped her develop the formidable advocacy skills she exerts today She reflected on the challenges of law school, balancing career and family, and the moments of doubt she had to push through.

“I’m very transparent in the book about the struggles I went through in my career, ” she admitted “I think that anyone pursuing a career, especially in law, should know that you can be successful and do the things you want to do, but it's not necessarily going to be a straight, easy, linear path.”

After the discussion, Justice Jackson engaged in a lively Q&A session, moderated by Howard Student Bar Association President Jaden Cody She tackled questions on contemporary legal challenges, the role of the judiciary, and the future of civil rights law.

“To welcome Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to our campus and have the opportunity to have an honest and public dialogue with her was a moment I hope never escapes me, ” Cody said. “Her candor, restraint in answering some of my questions, and the warmth she carries within and allows to flow through her words is inspiring ”

Justice

Dean Fairfax emphasized the lasting impact of Justice Jackson’s presence. “She is, of course, one of the most compelling and trailblazing figures in American legal history, but now our students can also appreciate that she is a flesh-and-blood person who has encountered and overcome many of the same challenges and obstacles we all do ”

Trailblazer

Justice Jackson’s visit underscored Howard Law’s commitment to offering its students extraordinary experiences beyond the classroom opportunities to engage with icons, to see reflections of themselves in positions of power, and to chart their own paths with a renewed sense of purpose.

“It was particularly fitting that Justice Jackson’s very first law school visit since being appointed to the Supreme Court was to the Howard University School of Law,” Fairfax reflected. “As the law school that produced Thurgood Marshall the first African American Supreme Court Justice, we are thrilled to establish this special connection with the first African American woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice ”

Prior to Justice Jackson’s arrival, the day kicked off with a pre-event discussion featuring her closest friends from her college days Professor Lisa Fairfax, Professor Antoinette Coakley, and Nina Simmons, Esq The conversation was a warm and deeply personal reflection, centered on the importance of friendships formed in school and the lifelong support systems they can create.

In the end, Justice Jackson’s visit to Howard Law was more than a public appearance it was proof positive that dreams can come true; it was an assurance that no matter how dire the odds may seem, excellence is within reach

FacultyScholarshipandAchievements

Heard inthe Heard intheHallways Hallways

TiffanyBrewer

Professor Brewer testified at a New Jersey Senate Committee hearing on increasing oversight over sober living homes for individuals in recovery. This testimony connected with an investigation she oversaw with the NJ State Commission of Investigation into abuses in the addiction and rehabilitation industry As Chair of the NJ State Commission of Investigation, Professor Brewer conducted a groundbreaking public hearing focused on gaps in enforcement of laws involving the use of ghost guns and illegal switches A corresponding report, Illegal Firearms: Uses and Trends in New Jersey, received significant national media coverage. Professor Brewer was appointed Chair-Elect of the AALS New Law Professors Section and will assume the Chair position at the 2025 Annual Meeting She was recently elected to membership in the American Law Institute, and became Chair-Elect of the ABA Litigation Section

MatthewBruckner

Professor Bruckner published New Guidance On Student Loan Relief in the Journal of Bankruptcy Law & Practice, analyzing recent changes to student loan bankruptcy law influenced by his efforts. He also authored multiple articles including Deposit Sweepstakes (co-authored with Todd Phillips), which addresses protections for users of payment apps like Venmo and PayPal, published in the Banking & Financial Services Policy Report Additional works include Social Media’s Financial Turn: Privacy and Consumer Protection in X’s Payment Platform, featured on the Yale Journal of Regulation’s blog, and Consumer Shadow

Banks in the Stanford Law & Policy Review His forthcoming article, Full Discharge Ahead? An Empirical First Look at the New Student Loan Discharge Process in Bankruptcy, co-authored with Dalie Jimenez and Belisa Pang, will appear in the Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal and has garnered significant SSRN downloads

Professor Chisolm served as a panelist at the November 6 Howard DREAMS event, speaking about clerkship, externship, and internship opportunities for students

Sha-ShanaCrichton

Professor Crichton was commended for her contributions to the 40th Anniversary Legal Writing Institute Biennial Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July She won the 2024 Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) Diversity Award

e.christicunningham

Professor cunningham oversaw the Education Rights Center participation in recent litigation in the Maryland Supreme Court case of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition v Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County

RogerA.Fairfax,Jr.

Dean Fairfax co-authored with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson a Tribute to the late Professor Charles J Ogletree in the Harvard Law Review Dean Fairfax published the second edition of his textbook, Adjudicatory Criminal Procedure: Cases, Statutes, and Materials (Foundation Press 2024) Dean Fairfax was a panelist at the 13 Annual Promoting Diversity in Law School Leadership Workshop He gave remarks at the rededication of the Loudoun County Courthouse, which was renamed for Charles Hamilton Houston. Dean Fairfax served on panels on Howard University School of Law’s 155 anniversary at the National Bar Association Annual Conference in Las Vegas, on the post-SFFA landscape for higher education

admissions at the NBA, at Bison on the Vineyard, and at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Civil Rights Training Institute, and on the legacy of Wiley A Branton at the National Bar Association Centennial Commission kickoff convening He was a featured speaker at the US Department of Justice commemoration of the 60 anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Dean Fairfax received the Outstanding Equal Justice Leadership Award from Sigma Delta Tau Law Fraternity, and was inducted into the Archbishop Carroll High School Hall of Honor.

AndrewGavil

Professor Gavil published the fifth edition of his co-authored textbook Antitrust Law in Perspective: Cases, Concepts, and Problems in Competition Policy Professor Gavil served as one of four principal lecturers at the ABA Antitrust Section’s 2024 Masters Course, which is being held in Philadelphia.

JustinHansford

Professor Hansford was recognized for his work at Howard University School of Law, including the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center and the Movement Lawyering Clinic, in Julia B Johnson, "Top Law Schools for Racial Justice," The National Jurist's PreLaw, Fall 2024 Vol 28 No. 2 (2024), pp. 33-34. He was recently included, along with staff colleague Bernice Ines and HUSL student Stavros Reynolds, on the 2024 AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll.

SherrilynIfill

Professor Ifill received the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award and the 2024 Appleseed Pillars of Justice Award She was featured in an MSNBC special on Black women voters. Professor Ifill delivered the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Lecture at Harvard University

HomerC.LaRue

Professor La Rue presented the workshop, “Public Sector Discipline: Helping the Arbitrator to Craft a Bullet-Proof Award,” at the 2024 National Organization of Lawyers for Education Associations (NOLEA) on October 10, 2024 The session, hosted in Washington, DC and moderated by Danielle E Davis, included interactive discussions on the advocate’s role in helping arbitrators craft awards that withstand judicial review The Ray Corollary Initiative (RCI), Inc , co-founded by Professor La Rue, received the 2024 ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law’s Honorable Bernice B Donald Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession Award. The award recognizes efforts to increase diversity in the ection of arbitrators and mediators while maintaining freedom of choice Professor La Rue accepted the award at the Section’s annual meeting in New York City

HaroldMcDougall

Professor McDougall participated on a panel at Harvard University on Feb 26, 2025, alongside members of the National Bar Association and Black law student groups. The panel discussed Becoming Black Lawyers, a documentary about the challenges and triumphs of Black law students navigating predominantly White law schools

LateefMtima

Professor Mtima’s newest book, The Cambridge Handbook of Intellectual Property and Social Justice, addresses the role of intellectual property in addressing systematic inequities and advancing social justice. The book, co-edited by HUSL Professor Emeritus Steven Jamar, features the work of leading intellectual property scholars and thinkers, and was celebrated at a launch event at Meta’s DC headquarters He moderated a panel, "Intellectual Property Rights in the Age of AI," at the North Carolina Central University School of Law's IP Law & Technology Diversity Conference, and moderated panel "Copyright and the Individual" at the Antonin Scalia School of Law's 2024 Annual Fall Conference IP: The Importance of Exclusive Rights. Professor Mtima presented “Balancing NIL/Right of Publicity with the First Amendment” at the PLI Intellectual Property Institute, San Francisco, and co-chaired the Tenth Annual IP Mosaic Conference at the Marquette University School of Law

IeshaahMurphy

Professor Murphy served as teaching faculty at the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel Trial Advocacy Program in Denver, collaborating with defense trainers from across the country She helped attorneys improve trial skills such as opening statements and witness examinations and guided discussions on addressing racial bias in legal cases to promote a more thoughtful understanding of clients’ situations

MarielaOlivares

Dean Olivares was elected to the American Law Institute She authored "The Migrant Family Separation Crisis: The Multifaceted Approach to End the Practice, Obtain Redress, and Prevent its Return," 76 Mercer L Rev (forthcoming 2025) at the invitation of the Mercer Law Review for their upcoming volume focused on intersectionality in law This marks Dean Olivares’s sixth publication since 2020, focusing on the trauma caused by the Family Separation Policy.

CedricMerlinPowell

Professor Powell co-edited Racial Justice in American Land Use (with Tony Arnold, Cate Fosl, Laura Rothstein) (Cambridge University Press) (forthcoming 2025) He published "The Post-Racial Deception of the Roberts Court," 77 SMU L Rev 7 (2024), and "2024 Green Bag Almanac & Reader 106" (book reviews) Professor Powell presented at the Advancement of Children's Constitutional Rights Consortium ("ACCR"), at the Georgia State University School of Law.

W.ShermanRogers

Professor Rogers published a chapter, The Influence of My Parents and Community, in the new book My Story From Humble Beginnings to Professional Success: A Young Professional’s Guide (James M. Durant III and Jeffrey M. Allen, eds.).

KeevaTerry

Professor Terry submitted expert written testimony to Rhode Island’s House and Senate Judiciary Committees in support of the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act The legislation aimed to help families, especially African American heirs, protect and preserve family-owned real estate from predatory partition practices. Terry previously played a key role in passing similar laws in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

CarltonWaterhouse

Professor Waterhouse’s Environmental and Climate Justice Center won the Phase 2 $400,000 HBCU Clean Energy Grant from the Department of Energy He published Elevating Environmental Protection and Our Priorities in the Howard Magazine.

ATrainingFutureAttorneys WhileSe i th C it TrainingFutureAttorneys WhileSe i th C it

HUSL Clinical L

ClinicalLawCenter

At the heart of Howard University S mission to promote justice and equ y Clinical Law Center (CLC), a hub of legal advocacy and real-world, hands-on training Under the leadership of Professor Valerie Schneider, the CLC provides law students with invaluable experiential learning while primarily offering legal services to clients in the DMV region at no charge

The center is made up of ten live-client clinics, including Child Welfare, Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Estate Planning, and Fair Housing, among others. These programs immerse students in real legal work that prepares them for careers in public service and civil rights law The CLC also offers externships with organizations such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service, which broadens students' exposure to public interest and corporate law.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the CLC’s charge During the academic year, 140 student attorneys staff the Center’s intake office, providing initial legal consultations to community members who seek assistance. While not all cases can be taken on, the center receives more requests for help than it can provide, the CLC ensures that individuals are connected with appropriate resources and referrals The clinics require students to commit a significant number of hours up to 18 hours per week ensuring a deep and meaningful engagement with their cases

g“I love bearing witness to the confidence student attorneys gain while working with our clients The people we provide services for are at the core of our work in the Center, and our students don't just work on behalf of them, they work shoulder-to-shoulder in collaboration with our clients,” she says “Whether they're in court, negotiating with opposing counsel, testifying at a hearing or drafting documents, our clinic students always focus on bringing their clients' voices to the table. At the beginning of the semester, many of our student attorneys seem intimidated by this responsibility, and by the end of the semester, most feel confident, capable and ready for practice ”

The transformation from classroom to courtroomready resonates deeply with students like Summer Ford, a second-year law student currently enrolled in the Movement Lawyering Clinic “Working at the CLC has pushed me to think critically about legal concepts against the backdrop of real-world nuance, ” she says “There’s so much to consider when it comes to supporting social movements: what’s effective, what’s sustainable, how shifting social and political landscapes might impact the work, and where power dynamics can be leveraged ”

Ford’s work recently included advocacy around video monitoring systems and their disproportionate impact on Black neighborhoods.

“I had the opportunity to work on a case challenging a surveillance system in Cambridge, MA,” she explains “While the system is framed as a tool to reduce gun violence, it’s being used in practice to disproportionately over-police Black communities ”

Under Professor Schneider’s leadership, the Fair Housing Clinic plays a crucial role in fighting housing discrimination and advocating for tenants’ rights Schneider, an attorney formerly specializing in affordable housing development, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her work at Howard Law. Yet even with victories in court and policy advances, challenges remain daunting

“Our greatest challenges relate to the systemic injustices that our clients face every day,” she says “We are committed to providing exceptional legal services to each of our clients, but without system and legislative changes, there will always be more clients facing eviction, unfair prosecution, potential financial harms and other injustices Schneider adds, “Our challenge will never be that we're not up for the fight; instead, our challenge is that there are too many fronts in the battle against inequity.”

Still, the CLC continues to be a powerhouse for social justice, readying students with the skills and conviction needed to become leading civil rights attorneys of the future. Through the Center’s work, students don’t just learn the law they learn to change it

Hours of Operation: MondayFriday, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P. M.

Location: Notre Dame Hall, Room G18

Phone: 202-806-8082

Email: clinics.husl@gmail.com

“We are committed to providing exceptional legal services to each of our clients, but without system and legislative changes, there will always be more clients facing eviction, unfair prosecution,

-ValerieSchneider

KristenClark e

J

U S T I C E I S H E R L E G A C Y

— N O W I T ’ S Y O U R S

At Howard Law, Kristen Clarke issued a stirring challenge to the next generation: protect democracy, confront injustice, and carry the civil rights fight forward with conviction and courage

By Jacklyn Monk

Howard University School of Law welcomed Kristen Clarke, Former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U S Department of Justice, for a highly anticipated discussion that drew nearly 100 members of the Howard Law community Moderated by Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr , the event offered a rare and invaluable opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to hear directly from one of the nation's leading voices when it comes to civil rights and social justice

Clarke, recently appointed the Earl C. and Anna H. Broady Chair at HUSL an honor recognizing leaders whose work in justice and equality elevates Howard Law’s reputation opened by responding to Dean Fairfax’s request to share her personal journey She explained how her path to leading the Civil Rights Division was deeply influenced by her upbringing. "I grew up in a household that was about discipline, working hard in school, and about making the most of every opportunity," Clarke shared

Commitment

Clarke explained how her parents, who immigrated to Brooklyn, NY from Jamaica, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion for education. This foundation, combined with her deep commitment to justice, paved the way for her extraordinary career in civil rights law

Clarke explained how her parents, immigrated to Brooklyn, N Y from Jam instilled in her a strong work ethic a passion for education. This founda combined with her deep commitment to ju paved the way for her extraordinary care civil rights law.

"It was very special to be a part of the generation of civil rights lawyers," she addressing the Howard Law students in audience. But she emphasized how critical it is for the next generation of legal professionals to take up the mantle of civil rights advocacy, just as past generations had done.

Clarke. Her career is a testament to what it means to dedicate oneself to justice, and her work in the Civil Rights Division has set a standard for excellence and impact." Clarke will join Howard Law as the Earl C. and Anna H. Broady Chair, perience and leadership to the next vil rights lawyers.

s visit left a lasting impression on w community. It served as both an d a call to action for those ontinuing the fight for civil rights.

Democracy advocacy

Kristen Clarke pictured with Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. and J.L. Greene Public Service Scholars

Power,Purpose, andthePursuitofJustice

Professor Justin Hansford is blending academics, activism, and advocacy to train a new generation of lawyers committed to justice, equity, and human rights.

By Jacklyn Monk

At the heart of Howard University School of Law, where tradition and activism meet, Professor Justin Hansford is leading a new phase of civil rights advocacy A proud Bison, Class of 2003, and Georgetown-trained attorney, Hansford brings a unique blend of intellectual rigor, frontline engagement, and international human rights expertise to his role as Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center.

Since its founding in 2017, Hansford has transformed the Center into Howard’s flagship setting for critical legal work, supporting movements for reparations, criminal justice reform, and international human rights. His mission is very clear: empower marginalized communities with the legal tools they need to fight —and win—battles for justice at home and abroad.

Like so many, Hansford’s path to law was not straight out the gate. As a young man, he tried following in the footsteps of his grandfather and mother, both Howard alumni, by exploring engineering and business. But there was no spark.

It was his love for reading and the influence of his undergraduate, Junior year philosophy professor, Dr Richard Jones, that led him to consider law

After reading books on the lives of Thurgood Marshall and Johnny Cochran (the two most prominent Black lawyers he had heard of) he was inspired and decided to give law a shot

After earning his law degree, Hansford embarked on a journey that included: clerking for Judge Damon J. Keith, Class of 1949; completing a Fulbright in South Africa studying Nelson Mandela’s legal legacy; and teaching at both Georgetown and Harvard Law Schools. But it was while on the ground in Ferguson, Missouri amid the protests following the police killing of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014 that Hansford’s conviction crystallized While working beside Brown’s family to deliver a shadow report to the United Nations in Geneva, he started linking America’s civil rights struggle to global human rights issues.

The Ferguson community inspired me with their willingness to come together. They felt for a Black family’s loss of their beloved child. The importance they put on the life of Mike Brown.,” he says. “Their willingness to endure tear gas, rubber bullets, and other violent efforts for a noble cause,” Hansford reflects “I wanted to bring that same energy to Howard.”

These days, Hansford’s reach spans the globe. It stretches from Howard’s campus to some of the highest echelons of international advocacy. As the only U.S.based member of the U N Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, he serves as an independent expert between communities fighting for justice and the world leaders who can codify it. Under Hansford’s mentorship, over 40 Howard students have traveled to the Forum, and interacted with ambassadors, activists, and policymakers. As a result, many have entered into careers in diplomacy and international law.

“Engaging on a global stage broadens our students’ perspectives and turns them into ambassadors of Howard,” Hansford says. “It solidifies our role as a university committed to global leadership and social justice.”

At just eight years old, the Center pulses with the energy of unwavering commitment. From supporting Evanston, Illinois’s groundbreaking $10 million reparations initiative to championing the release of Sundiata Acoli, an 85-year-old former Black Panther imprisoned for more than 40 years, Hansford and his team are reshaping the landscape of American justice. One of the Center’s current, most ambitious undertakings is the “Black Audit Project” It aims to assess the well-being of Black communities in 40 cities nationwide using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint.

Being on the call when Dr Julius Garvey, Marcus Garvey’s son, heard the news [about the pardon] was transformative,” Hansford says.

“In that exhilarating moment, I literally felt the weight of history lift. We had led the nation and the President of the United States to rightly acknowledge a legacy that had endured through trials of bigotry and a century of time” He continued, “It was not just a personal victory; it was a triumph for all who believe in justice and equality.”

Looking ahead, Hansford has no plans for slowing down. He’s set to launch an undergraduate chapter, alumni and community advisory boards, and expand opportunities for students to leave their mark on the world.

His message to aspiring law students and anyone daring to dream of justice is simple, and powerful: “Hold fast to your vision of law as a tool for justice. Never let careerism outweigh your calling” In a world where the fight for civil rights is far from over, where we’ve learned that racial injustice is far more deeply ingrained in our society than many have been willing to acknowledge, Justin Hansford’s work reminds us that the story of justice and those bold enough to demand it is still being written

HowardLawBoardofVisitors WelcomesNewMembers

Danielle Conley ‘03 is a partner at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D C , where she leads the firm’s AntiDiscrimination and Civil Rights practice. She previously served as deputy counsel to the president in the Biden administration, where she led the firstever White House civil rights team and played a key role in the nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. A respected voice on equity, civil rights and workplace policy, Conley is known for her ability to navigate high-stakes legal and political challenges with integrity and clarity. She is a proud Howard Law alumna.

Karyn A. Temple is Senior EVP and Global General Counsel, Motion Picture Association. A leading expert on copyright law, Temple has shaped national and international IP policy. She previously served as Register of Copyrights and held senior roles at the DOJ and the Recording Industry Association of America. Ms. Temple earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School, and her B.A. in English from the University of Michigan.

The Honorable Donald M. Remy ’91 is the Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Remy has held senior leadership roles across government, law, and sports administration, including as COO and chief legal officer of the NCAA. A U.S. Army veteran and Howard Law graduate, he continues to serve on several national boards.

Kwame Manley is global chair of the Litigation Department at Paul Hastings, where he represents clients in major white-collar defense, internal investigations and cross-border litigation. A former federal prosecutor, he has conducted investigations in more than 20 countries and regularly appears before agencies such as the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2024, he was named Investigations Professional of the Year by Global Investigations Review. Manley is a graduate of Harvard Law School, the Harvard Kennedy School and Morehouse College.

Staff Appreciation HUSL

As one of his first acts as dean of Howard University School of Law, Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. hosted a staff appreciation celebration recognizing the invaluable contributions of the school’s dedicated staff The event honored individuals and teams whose service, innovation, and commitment strengthen the HUSL community every day

CertificatesofRecognition

Awarded to staff members for their outstanding teamwork and commitment:

Jesse Dunn Administrator, Copy Center

Francisca Reyes Area Manager, Environmental Service Systems

Dominique Hogan Administrative Assistant, Administration and Operations

Bilqis (Billi) Wilkerson Managing Director, Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center

PlaqueAwards

Outstanding HUSL Staff Member Award

Dr Frank C King, Jr Interim Dean of Administration & Operations and Director of IT

Recognized for his deep commitment and impactful service

CreativeProposalAward

Clinical Law Center, represented by Jessica Harris, Program Coordinator and Staff Advisor of OUTLaw

Honored for innovative and meaningful contributions.

OutstandingTeamwork&CreativityAward

Alicia Jones Director, Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Law Library

Carmel Henry Reference Librarian and Head of Access Services and Library Technology

Awarded for exceptional collaboration and creativity in service

Loudoun Courthouse

Named After Civil Rights Icon and Former HUSL Dean Charles Hamilton Houston

Loudoun Courthouse Named After Civil Rights Icon and Former HUSL Dean Charles Hamilton Houston

By Jacklyn Monk

Last fall, Loudoun County, Virginia honored Charles Hamilton Houston by renaming its historic courthouse after the pioneering civil rights attorney. In 1933, Houston, a Harvard Law graduate and dean of Howard University School of Law, argued a landmark case inside the red brick structure He challenged the racial bias in jury selection while defending George Crawford, a Black man accused of murdering two white women in Middleburg.

Houston led an all-Black legal team to research and argue the case one that included the young Thurgood Marshall, whom Houston mentored at HUSL While Crawford was found guilty, he was sentenced to life in prison instead of execution, which was considered a victory at the time.

Before making history in courtrooms across the country, Houston began shaping the future of civil rights law while at Howard Law First, he taught at the university, then served as vice dean and then dean of the law school from 1929 to 1935. From 1935 to 1940, Houston served as the NAACP’s first general counsel He was the legal architect behind the strategy to dismantle Jim Crow laws,

laying the groundwork for the eventual victory in Brown v Board of Education in 1954 Though he died in 1950, the tools and talent he cultivated especially through his leadership at Howard Law continued to drive the movement forward

Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr who spoke at the renaming ceremony, called Houston “the most consequential lawyer of the 20th century in this country not the most consequential African American lawyer, the most consequential lawyer” He adds “It was under Houston’s leadership that Howard Law was transformed into a training ground for lawyers who would go on to lead the legal fight for civil rights in the United States.”

Because of Houston’s far-reaching impact, the courthouse has been granted National Historic Landmark status Kelly Burk, mayor of Leesburg, VA says, “Even though Houston passed before segregation was declared unconstitutional, his legacy lives on, and we will continue to say his name for many, many generations to come ”

IntheFootsteps ofGreatness IntheFootsteps ofGreatness

Professor Lisa Crooms-Robinson traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts to trace

By Jacklyn Monk

Pauli Murray’s extraordinary path.

At the close of the 2023-2024 academic year, Robinson, who served as interim dean of HUSL, was presented with an opportunity of a lifetime. She was named a Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellow for the 2024-2025 school year

Upon arrival in Cambridge last fall, the lifelong legal scholar and proud Howard alumna immersed herself in the life and legacy of Pauli Murray, one of Howard Law’s greatest icons. For Crooms-Robinson, this was more than the typical research sabbatical she saw it as an intellectual pilgrimage into the archives of a legal mind who helped change the world.

“I am immensely grateful,” she says, “for the opportunity to dive deep into the gospel of social justice that Pauli Murray preached and practiced.”

Murray, a firebrand of brilliance who graduated first in her class at Howard while also being its only woman went on to become the first Black recipient of a JS D from Yale Law School, a cofounder of the National Organization for Women, and the first Black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest Although she passed away in 1985, her presence continues to be felt in the halls of Howard Law: not only as a symbol of intellectual tenacity, but as a spiritual and academic north star.

Crooms-Robinson had long been a disciple of Murray’s multifaceted legacy: legal scholar, gender rights visionary, civil rights strategist, poet, and priest. At Radcliffe, Crooms-Robinson researched how Murray’s belief in social justice evolved into what she calls “legal theology,” a seamless fusion of jurisprudence and moral clarity.

I was honored to join this extraordinary community of thinkers and creators,” said Crooms-Robinson “The chance to work among scholars, artists, and changemakers is always a gift the opportunity to focus on Pauli Murray made it even more meaningful ”

The appointment was a fitting highpoint for a woman whose career has mirrored Murray’s intersectional commitment to rights, reason, and revolution A Howard University graduate and University of Michigan Law School alum, CroomsRobinson has taught generations of Howard Law students to question the status quo and reimagine justice. Her selection as a Radcliffe Fellow just 3.3% of applicants get selected solidifies her place among the most visionary voices in legal academia

“Professor Crooms-Robinson’s selection,” said Howard President Ben Vinson III, “ was not just a testament to her brilliance It’s a reminder that our faculty are educating leaders even as they walk in the footsteps of legends ”

Installed in October 2024, the Howard University School of Law Alumni Judges Gallery honors distinguished alumni who once walked the halls as students and went on to serve on the bench Located outside the Damon J. Keith Moot Court Room, the gallery offers inspiration to current students and represents a full-circle moment for alumni who return to see themselves on the wall.

The Bench

On Nov 4, the Howard University School of Law kicked off Homecoming Week with Bison on the Bench, a special event that brought alumni judges back to campus. The event featured a fireside chat with Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new HUSL Alumni Judges Gallery, which honors those who once walked the halls of Howard Law as students and went on to serve on the bench.

Featured speakers included Howard Law alumni DC Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne Rigsby, US District Judge Alexander Williams, and US District Judge LeShann DeArcy Hall.

BisonOn

Photo from L to R: US District Judge Alexander Williams, DC Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, US District Judge LeShann DeArcy Hall, Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr

AlumniReceptions

AcrosstheU.S.

alumni uates

sharing updates on the school’s progress He visited N Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Bos Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and New York am others Special thanks to alumni hosts James Carter Earamichia Brown ’97, Leigh Skipper ’86, Robert Archie Jeff Riebel ’95, Larry Handfield ’81 and others for organi these impactful gatherings and helping strengthen Howard Law alumni network

FedEx'sGinaF.Adams’83 TakestheHelm

Howard Law Alumna Named Executive VP,

General Counsel, and Secretary

By Jacklyn Monk

Gina F Adams is no stranger to breaking barriers The Howard University School of Law alumna has been named Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at FedEx Corporation, making her the legal and strategic force behind the global shipping giant's next chapter A veteran of FedEx since 1992, Adams’ promotion marks a significant step forward for both the company and the legal world In her new role, Adams will oversee legal, security, and government affairs operations on a global scale, succeeding Mark R. Allen, who will retire at the end of the year.

Adams’ journey is proof of Howard Law’s legacy of producing leaders who influence industries far beyond the courtroom As one of Washingtonian magazine's most influential people in 2021, Adams has continuously been at the forefront of shaping international policies that impact businesses worldwide Starting her legal career at the US Department of Transportation, Adams quickly gained recognition for her regulatory acumen She brought this expertise to FedEx, where she rose through the ranks, most recently serving as Corporate Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs in Washington, D.C.

My career in transportation and logistics began right after graduating from Howard University School of Law,” Adams shared “I joined FedEx as a managing attorney, focusing on international regulatory affairs. At the time, I knew I was joining a global company with incredible reach and significant opportunities for career advancement ”

to navigate the complex legal and regulatory challenges that come with overseeing one of the world's largest ransportation and logistics companies

FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam praised Adams, stating, “Gina’s deep expertise and insights will be crucial as FedEx continues to evolve and tackle global challenges. Her leadership is invaluable to our future growth ”

With decades of legal experience under her belt, Adams is poised to lead FedEx into an era of transformation while ensuring its position at the cutting edge of logistics. As she embarks on this new opportunity, her journey from Howard Law to the Csuite inspires those following in her footsteps

Gina Adams exemplifies the excellence that Howard University School of Law produces,” said Howard Law Dean Roger A Fairfax, Jr “Her leadership at FedEx and her influence in the legal and government affairs space are verification of her skill and commitment to public service ” From the steps of Howard Law to the executive offices of FedEx, Gina F. Adams proves that breaking glass ceilings is all in a day’s work.

Her reputation as a dynamic leader with a sharp legal mind has earned her accolades and a spot on various prestigious boards, including the National Air and Space Museum and Entergy Corporation. Now, in her new role at FedEx, Adams will continue

Class Notes Class Notes ALUMNI

1969 1974

John Brittain '69 The D.C. Bar has named John Brittain as the recipient of its 2024 Thurgood Marshall Award for his lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights, including litigating essential cases across the United States on race equity in public schools and higher education and mentoring generations of civil rights advocates In May 2025, John Brittain retired from UDC Law, where he served on the faculty for 15 years and as acting dean from 2018 to 2019.

Isaiah "Ike" Leggett '74, former Montgomery County Executive, was the first Black member of the Montgomery County Council On February 24, 2024, the Montgomery County Executive Office Building in Rockville, Maryland, was renamed in his honor Donald A. Thigpen Jr., '74 was honored during Howard University's Charter Day Weekend on March 1, 2025. Thigpen's expansive career includes 25 years within the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, where he held several high-ranking positions

1978

Gregory Meeks '78 received the Financial Services Professionals (FSP) 2025 Trailblazer Award. Meeks is proud to work with FSP to build a more inclusive industry and a more just society

1983

Gina F. Adams '83 was named Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at FedEx Corp, bringing her extensive experience and leadership to this pivotal role. She oversees FedEx Corporation and its subsidiaries' international legal, security, and government affairs activities

1987

Honorable Anna BlackburneRigsby '87 was redesignated as Chief Judge of the DC Court of Appeals for a third consecutive term by The District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Her new four-year term began on March 18, 2025

1990

Honorable Marvin W. Wiggins '90 was inducted into the Alabama Lawyers Association Hall of Fame on March 6, 2025 He is the first African American Circuit Judge in Alabama's Fourth Judicial Circuit

1992

Danielle Conway '92 was named the 2025 presidentelect of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Recognized for her leadership in legal education and advocacy for marginalized groups, she continues championing inclusivity at AALS

1997

James Carter '97 made history as the First Black King of the 93-Year-Old Carnival Krewe of Alla's during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.

1998

Honorable Errol R. Arthur '98 was inducted into the Washington Bar Association Hall of Fame in 2024 Judge Arthur is an Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Honorable Sherri BeattyArthur '98, was inducted into the Washington Bar Association Hall of Fame in 2024 Judge Beatty-Arthur has served as a Magistrate Judge on the Superior Court since 2020.

1999

Omar Karim '99 was featured in the Washington Business Journal WBJ as Banneker surpasses $1B in development projects Mr Karim has served as the President of Banneker since its founding in 2005

2000

Aisha N. Braveboy '00 was elected county executive of Prince George’s County in a special election June 3, 2025, and was sworn in on June 19.

2004

Leander Dolphin '04 - The law firm Shipman & Goodwin proudly announced in 2024 that Leander will continue to serve as Managing Partner through December 21, 2027 Leander took the helm at one of Connecticut's oldest and largest law firms in January 2022.

Please send your updates and/or achievements to be featured in the next issue of the alumni magazine to alumni@law.howard.edu.

2005

Idris McKelvey '05, VP & Lead Patent Counsel at The Estée Lauder Companies and IIPSJ Board Member, was appointed to the USPTO's Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) With extensive experience leading global IP teams across China, Latin America, and the US, he will help advise the USPTO on patent operations and innovation protection as part of the committee established under the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999.

Angela Ramson '05 joined Fox Rothschild as a Partner in the Labor & Employment Department in their Atlanta office in 2024 Angela is an experienced litigator and problem solver specializing in labor, employment, and commercial litigation

2006

Reyna Walters-Morgan '06 was elected Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation for the Democratic National Committee on February 1, 2025. She previously served as the Director of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection for the DNC and has been involved in various roles advocating for voter rights and engagement.

2007

Abdul Rahman Lediju '07, a Corporate & Private Equity Practice leader, was elected to become a Partner at the law firm McGuire Woods in New York. He advises emerging managers and investors to form, invest, and operate domestic and crossborder private investment funds He is heavily involved in the firm's Emerging Manager Program.

2011

Stacy Allen Barrow '11 took the Oath of Office as Judge of the 487th Criminal District Court in Houston, Texas on January 18, 2025. Barrow serves as a felony associate judge in Harris County Criminal Courts

2015

Summer Lee '15 was re-elected in 2024 to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Congress She is the first Black woman elected to Congress from Western Pennsylvania She sits on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the House Committee on Space, Science, and Technology She also co-chairs the Congressional Black Caucus' Race and Justice Task Force.

Class Notes

2016

Douglas Howell '16, a member of the Global Corporate Group at Milbank, became a new partner in January 2025 He represents US and international clients in various public and private corporate matters across multiple industries, including cross-border and domestic mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, and general corporate matters.

2021

Aliyha Amani '21 joined Caplin & Drysdale as an Associate in the Tax Disputes & Tax Litigation practice group. Ms. Amani advises individuals and corporations in tax controversies and litigation with the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities

2022

Darryl Williams '22 was named the first Bristow Fellow from HUSL in the Office of the Solicitor General for the October Term 2024 This prestigious fellowship offers young lawyers the opportunity to experience Supreme Court practice early in their careers. Williams is one of five lawyers selected for the yearlong fellowship, the first from a Historically Black College and University

In Memoriam

Howard University School of Law remembers and celebrates the lives of alumni who have passed Their commitment to justice, service, and the Howard Law legacy continues to inspire generations of social engineers

Sharon Banks '67

Warren Hope Dawson '66

David H Dupree Sr '84

Ben Espy '68

Vernon Gill '66

Allen W Venable '03

RememberingHowardLawAlumJustice JamesH.Coleman,Jr.,FirstBlackNew JerseySupremeCourtJustice

Justice James H Coleman, Jr, who passed away in August 2024, made history as the first African American on the New Jersey Supreme Court His legacy of justice and equality continues to inspire generations of legal professionals

By Adaija Darby

Justice James H. Coleman, Jr., the first African American member of the New Jersey Supreme Court, died Aug 2, 2024, at 91 His groundbreaking career left an incredible mark on the state's legal landscape

Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on May 4, 1933, Coleman grew up during the Great Depression in a segregated South He overcame those challenges, graduating from Virginia State University in 1956 and Howard University School of Law in 1959. After being admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1960, Coleman spent a decade in private practice before being appointed a judge in Union County in 1973 He was later elevated to the Appellate Division and, in 1994, became the first African American to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court, following his nomination by Gov Christine Todd Whitman

During his tenure on the state’s highest court, Coleman was known for his fairness and commitment to justice He served on the court until his retirement in 2003 After retiring, Coleman remained active in the legal community as of counsel at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman

Justice Coleman’s legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate for fairness will continue to inspire generations of legal professionals. His work helped pave the way for others in the judiciary, and his contributions to New Jersey’s legal history will never be forgotten

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DAF giving 360

Danielle N Robinson ’05

Darren P Riley ’00 & Virginia Bute-Riley

David L Sotelo ’81

Derrick A Petit ’16

Donise E Brown ’85

Donnette A Cooper ’86

Duane A Brown ’77

Earl J Gee ’79

Rupert V Barry ’79

Ruth M D Wilson

Sean P. Jamieson ’09

Shai A. Littlejohn ’99

Sheryl E Ellison-Blue ’80

Spencer A Overton

Stacey K Sutton

Stanley F Gray ’89

Stephanie Wallace

Strategic Claims Services

Theodore V Wells, Jr

W Owens ’04

ZT Systems

Annual Giving

Aaron N Taylor ’00

Abel R Coombs ’98

Adam D Schwartz ’95

Adriana A Rainbow ’19

Alicia J Hubbard ’00

Alison C Finnegan

Alvin H Thomas, Jr ’98

Wiley A. Branton, Sr.Society

($2,500–$9,999)

Anthony L Noble Bank of America Foundation

Barbara A Eyman

Gayle R Headen ’93

Gwendolyn J Thomas ’76

Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc

HBCU Endzone Experience

Heath Winter

Amalgamated Charitable Foundation

Amos T Matthews, Jr ’73

Andrea L Dennis

Andreas V Smith ’92

Bridgette Greer 49

Henry Charitable Fund

Anjali G Prakash

Ariana A Rainbow ’19

Ashley G Smith ’10

Ashley Pinnock

Asia N Sutherland BA ’06

Aubrey B Willacy ’70

Austin L Hollimon ’23

Autumn M Hunter ’06

Barbara G Parker ’90

Barbara J Chisholm ’01

Benjamin R Longwood, Jr ’84

Bernard A. Joseph ’94

Bertus Lee ’81

Beverly A Fields ’94

Brittani N Lash ’19

Brittney Jordan

Calvin J Allen ’83

Carl Rhodes ’78

Carlton M Waterhouse ’91

Carolyn C Burgman

Cecily E Collier ’75

Channing D Phillips ’86

Charissa L Fernandez

Charles C Moore ’98

Charles E Breece ’74

Charles E Crosby ’77

Charles W Cobb ’80

Charles W Morrow ’81

Cheri L Washington ’93

Cheryce M Cryer ’06

Chesley C Swann ’22

Chipotle

Christina M Butler ’08

Christina S. Knox

Christopher J. Boone ’11

Christopher M Connors, Jr

Cooley, LLP

Corinne E Cater ’11

Courtney A Tucker ’13

Courtney B Scrubbs ’13

Cynthia Sparks-Johnson

Dakarai D Thompson ’01

Dana N Barbee

Daniel Sheff

David E Butler ’78

Davida M Brown ’96

DeAnna B Beane ’62

Dedan K Bruner ’07

Dellecia A Anderson BA ’80

Demetre McCloud

Demetria L McCain ’01

Dennis C Francis ’93

Devon J Cox ’15

Don Royster BS ’68

Donald S Greenberg

Donna M. James ’78

Doreen M. Rachal ’06

Edward B Horahan, III

Effie E Forde ’74

Eloise Rivers

Erin K Cannon-Wells ’08

Erious Johnson ’02

Erithe Smith

Eugene Lipscomb ’71

Evelyn C Queen ’75

Evelyn M Gunn ’78

F Denise Gibson Bailey

Faye D Smith

Faye McCray

Frank Windham ’10

Gabrielle Mallory-Phillips ’03 &

Willie L Phillips, Jr ’05

Gary Smith, II

Genna Ray McNeil

Georgetown Day School

Geovanny E Martinez ’11

Gloria J Dabbs-Mann

Grace Perry-Gaiter ’85

Greenberg Family Charitable Fund

Gregg Mitchell

Gyata M Kimmons ’99

Hanna Sherman

Helen Brown Bryant ’84

Henry L Cody

Herbert Simmons, Jr ’70

Howard N Davis ’10

Ileana Delarosa ’98

Ina J Bazley ’84

Irnise F Williams ’14

J Terry Davis ’76

Jacqueline C. Looney

James C. Harmon, Jr. ’82

James I Robertson

James K Stovall ’96

James M Hunter ’73

Jeanne L Hughes ’10

Jenita A Lythcott

Jeremy L Simmons ’08

Jesse D Joseph ’83

Jessica L Avery

Jessica Y Brewster-Johnson ’98

John C Lawson, II ’86

Johnny M Reid ’15

Joslyn N Williams ’60

Julie A Burnep

Julie M T Walker ’80

Justin T Evans ’01

Kandis C Gibson ’08

Karen J Carrillo

Karin E Ward ’84

Kathy Matthews-Barbour

Kenneth D Bynum ’83

KeyTanji Hoody

Kim A. Jones Snipe ’89

Kimberly T Jackson

Lani P Shaw ’05

Laura J Corwin

Laura M Richards ’83

Lauren J Walker ’19

Lawrence E Costanzo ’93

Leah C Aden ’06

Lee C Goodman ’91

Lena Y Hines

Lewis C Anderson ’75

Lisa T Lee

Lorraine C. Davis ’79

Lucius T. Outlaw

Mack C Allen ’76

Madelyn C Squire ’74

Marc S Duvernay ’87

Margaret Counts-Spriggs

Marcia C Hooks ’77

Marc S Duvernay ’87

Marialisa Miller ’09

Mariela Olivares

Marilyn Reichstein

Mario E Chatman ’82

Marcus Hilliard

Marquis J Pullen

Marsha E Edwards ’83

Marva R Deskins ’04

Mary C Fuchs

Maurice A Bellan, Sr, BA ’91

Melody M Walcott ’81

Michael Harris MD ’85

Michael J Green ’03

Michael P Carson

Michael P. Koskoff

Michael S. Pacht ’67

Michael Whitlock

Miesha S Darrough ’05

Miniimah Bilal-Shakir

Mitch Brooks

Mollie Neal ’71

Monya M Bunch ’04

Mr Richard D Albright

Mrs and Mr Cynthia E Sealls

Mrs Norma E Hobson ’73

Ms Karen Cook

Murad and Murad, PC

Myrtle C Robinson ’92

Nadine F Mompremier ’13

Nancy Peters

Naomi R Tanks ’15

Neal F Newman ’98

Nicole M Huby ’91

Nnamdi J Nwaneri ’10

Nolan N Atkinson, Jr ’67

Omar A Joseph ’05

O’Melveny & Myers, LLP.

Pascal Lewis

Patrick S Glover

Paul L Oostburg

Penny P Price

Peter Hanson

Philip G Hampton, II

R Scott Oswald ’97

Ralph V Lee ’84

Randall G Johnson, Jr

Rebecca L Hiner

Rebecca L Thompson

Regina E Gray ’98

Regine D. Pointdujour ’10

Renora E. Brathwaite

Rob G Seabrooks, Jr ’98

Robert C Warren, Jr ’85

Robert M Higginbotham, II ’80

Roberta J Jones-Booker ’68

Romley H Raines ’83

Ronald M Smith ’82

Rosalyn B Akalonu ’93

Ruben A Franco ’74

Rustin M Brown ’12

Ruthie G Reynolds ’90

Sabrina T Francis BS ’21

Sam Chang ’75

Sanford M Speight ’84

Sean R Headen ’96

Semaj I Johnson ’05

Semira Asfaha ’03

Seyi O Iwarere

Shahin Haj-Momenian ’97

Shannon L Stokes ’09

Sharon D Barnes BS ’84

Sheff Sherman Family Charitable

Fund

Shontae D Gray ’12

Stephanie J Marsh ’88

Stephanie Johnson

Tara B Bryant Walke ’82

Tara L P Hammons ’02

Taren S Moore

Teresa A Scott ’84

Terrence L Butler

The Comcast Foundation

The Hartford Foundation

The Honey Pot Co

The Taylor Law Firm

Tracey L Hackett Brookins ’91

Tuneen Chisolm

Valecia J Battle ’17

Valentina Rucker ’07

Velma C Taylor ’79

Victoria N Lynch-Draper ’10

Willie E Walker ’79

Winona H Varnon ’86

Winston A. Marcus ’75

Yvette R. White ’86

Zelda W Johnson

Dean’s Innovation Fund

Your contributions empower Dean Fairfax to launch exciting new programs, develop transformative initiatives, and create new pathways for our students to impact the legal profession and the world